Report Thailand Voices Disappointment Over Cambodia's ICJ Appeal in Border Dispute

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

Thailand has expressed strong disappointment with Cambodia's decision to seek International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervention concerning four disputed border sites. In a statement released by the Thai Foreign Ministry, the move was criticized as indicative of Cambodia's reluctance to resolve sensitive issues through existing bilateral mechanisms and a departure from the spirit of good neighbourliness.

 

This marks Bangkok's first unequivocal expression of dissatisfaction toward Phnom Penh, as previous remarks were couched in more diplomatic terms. The contentious areas in question include Chong Bok, Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tot, and Ta Kwai.

 

Thailand has maintained it does not recognize the ICJ's jurisdiction in this demarcation dispute. During negotiations, led by Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai, the Thai delegation formally rebutted Cambodia's claims. These rebuttals, noting Thailand's self-defence actions during a recent skirmish on May 28 that led to the death of a Cambodian soldier, were documented in the meeting's minutes. Thailand insists its actions were proportionate and adhered to international law following what it described as Cambodian aggression.

 

Furthermore, Thailand clarified that the recent discussions did not entertain Cambodia's ICJ referral or the contested Siam-Indochina demarcation map. The talks focused exclusively on technicalities related to aerial mapping, part of the broader land boundary demarcation process dictated by a master plan.

 

Emphasizing the importance of adherence to the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Thailand urged both nations to avoid changing the border landscape, prevent encroachments, and maintain restraint to avert escalation. The statement also cautioned against spreading misleading information that could fuel public misunderstandings or conflict.

 

Looking forward, Thailand will host a special session of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in September 2025. This meeting will aim to continue dialogue and seek constructive solutions to the ongoing border issues between the two neighbors.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-06-16

 

 

[ronnie50]

And we still don't know if the gunfire was authorised by the Thai Defense Minister - or his 'subordinate' military chain of command.

 

Has Hun Sen done a deal with Thailand's infamous hidden hands to keep winding things up to try to destabilize Thai democracy (to 'their' advantage)? I do wonder.